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Riding Life's Waves: Trusting God as Our Surfboard
Summary
Taking a moment to reflect on the message today, I am reminded of the powerful analogy of God as a surfboard, providing us with the ability to navigate the waves of life. Just as a surfboard allows a surfer to ride waves that would otherwise be overwhelming, God equips us to thrive amidst life's challenges. In 1999, I experienced some of the most incredible waves, and it was a reminder of how, with the right equipment, we can enjoy the ride rather than be pummeled by it. Similarly, in life, when we rely on God, we can navigate the storms with grace and strength.
The surfboard analogy extends to the components of the board itself. The foam, with its countless holes, represents God's omniscience—His infinite knowledge of everything, including every detail of our lives. The stringer, providing strength to the board, symbolizes God's omnipotence, His ability to do anything. The glass, covering the board, signifies God's omnipresence, His presence everywhere in our lives. These elements remind us that God knows everything, can do anything, and is everywhere, providing us with the foundation to ride life's waves.
Moreover, the leash represents our connection to God through Jesus Christ. Once we are connected to Him, we are eternally secure, held by His strength, not our own. The wax, symbolizing God's Word, is essential for keeping us from slipping. Just as a surfboard needs wax to maintain grip, we need the Word of God to guide us and keep us steady. Lastly, the fins represent the Holy Spirit, giving us direction and power to navigate life's challenges with confidence and purpose.
In essence, God provides us with everything we need to not only survive but thrive in life. By staying connected to Him, immersing ourselves in His Word, and relying on the Holy Spirit, we can experience the adventure He has designed for us, riding the waves with joy and assurance.
Key Takeaways:
- God's Omniscience: Just as the countless holes in the foam of a surfboard remind us of God's infinite knowledge, we are assured that He knows every detail of our lives. This understanding should bring us comfort, knowing that nothing surprises Him and He is always aware of our circumstances. [50:34]
- God's Omnipotence: The stringer in a surfboard provides strength, symbolizing God's ability to do anything. Recognizing His power should encourage us to trust Him with our challenges, knowing that He is capable of handling anything we face. [01:06:26]
- God's Omnipresence: The glass covering a surfboard signifies God's presence everywhere. We are reminded that He is always with us, providing protection and guidance, and that we are never alone in our journey. [01:09:51]
- Connection through Christ: The leash represents our eternal connection to God through Jesus Christ. Once we are connected, we are secure in His hold, and nothing can separate us from His love. This assurance allows us to face life's waves with confidence. [01:14:20]
- Guidance of the Holy Spirit: The fins on a surfboard give direction and power, much like the Holy Spirit in our lives. By walking in the Spirit, we receive the guidance and strength needed to navigate life's challenges, ensuring we are not at the mercy of the waves. [01:37:06]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome - [35:31] - Surfing Memories and Life's Waves - [47:05] - God's Omniscience: The Foam - [50:34] - God's Omnipotence: The Stringer - [53:02] - God's Omnipresence: The Glass - [01:06:26] - Creation's Testimony - [01:08:46] - Weather and God's Power - [01:09:51] - God's Presence and Our Dings - [01:11:22] - Forgiveness and Ding Repair - [01:12:00] - Riding with God - [01:13:04] - The Leash: Connection through Christ - [01:14:20] - Eternal Security in Christ - [01:16:31] - Jesus as the Mediator - [01:20:10] - The Wax: God's Word - [01:23:00] - The Importance of Scripture - [01:33:37] - The Fins: Guidance of the Holy Spirit - [01:37:06] - Power and Direction from the Spirit - [01:53:06] - The Holy Spirit's Role - [01:55:30] - Witnessing through God's Power - [01:56:55] - Conclusion and Prayer
1. In Psalm 139:1-6, what does the passage reveal about God's knowledge of us? How does this relate to the analogy of the foam on the surfboard? [47:05]
2. According to 2 Timothy 3:16-17, what are the purposes of Scripture in our lives? How does this connect to the analogy of wax on a surfboard? [01:23:00]
3. In Galatians 5:16-25, what are the contrasting desires of the flesh and the Spirit? How does this relate to the analogy of the fins on a surfboard? [01:33:37]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of Jesus as the leash connecting us to God? What assurance does this provide? [01:14:20]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does understanding God's omniscience, as described in Psalm 139, impact a believer's trust in God's plan for their life? [50:34]
2. In what ways does 2 Timothy 3:16-17 suggest that Scripture can prevent us from "slipping" in our spiritual journey? How might this be practically applied? [01:23:00]
3. How does the presence of the Holy Spirit, as described in Galatians 5, empower believers to navigate life's challenges? What does it mean to "walk by the Spirit"? [01:37:06]
4. Reflecting on the sermon, how does the analogy of the surfboard help illustrate the importance of being connected to God through Jesus? [01:16:31]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How did you rely on God's omniscience, omnipotence, or omnipresence to navigate it? If not, how might you do so in the future? [50:34]
2. Consider your current engagement with Scripture. What specific steps can you take to ensure that God's Word is a regular part of your life, like wax on a surfboard? [01:23:00]
3. Identify an area in your life where you feel powerless. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide and empower you in this area? [01:37:06]
4. Think of a time when you felt disconnected from God. How did you reconnect, or how might you reconnect, using the analogy of the leash in the sermon? [01:14:20]
5. Choose one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23 to focus on this week. What specific action can you take to cultivate it in your daily interactions? [01:49:18]
6. Reflect on a situation where you might be "riding a green blow-up mat" instead of relying on God. What changes can you make to ensure you are riding the "surfboard" of faith? [01:12:00]
7. How can you use the analogy of the surfboard to explain your faith to someone who may not understand the importance of being connected to God? [01:56:55]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Infinite Knowledge in Our Lives God's omniscience is like the countless holes in the foam of a surfboard, representing His infinite knowledge of every detail of our lives. This understanding should bring us comfort, knowing that nothing surprises Him and He is always aware of our circumstances. Just as a surfer trusts the foam to keep them afloat, we can trust that God knows our past, present, and future. His knowledge is not just vast but deeply personal, encompassing every aspect of our lives. This assurance allows us to rest in His wisdom, knowing that He sees the bigger picture and guides us accordingly. [50:34]
"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him." (2 Chronicles 16:9 ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust God's knowledge more fully, and how can you remind yourself of His omniscience today?
Day 2: Trusting in God's Unlimited Power The stringer in a surfboard provides strength, symbolizing God's omnipotence—His ability to do anything. Recognizing His power should encourage us to trust Him with our challenges, knowing that He is capable of handling anything we face. Just as the stringer holds the board together, God's power sustains us through life's trials. We are reminded that no wave is too big for Him, and no situation is beyond His control. By acknowledging His strength, we can find peace and courage to face whatever comes our way, trusting that He is more than able to carry us through. [01:06:26]
"Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you." (Jeremiah 32:17 ESV)
Reflection: What is one challenge you are currently facing that you need to surrender to God's power, and what steps can you take to actively trust Him with it today?
Day 3: Embracing God's Ever-Present Guidance The glass covering a surfboard signifies God's omnipresence, His presence everywhere in our lives. We are reminded that He is always with us, providing protection and guidance, and that we are never alone in our journey. Just as the glass shields the board from damage, God's presence surrounds us, offering comfort and direction. In moments of uncertainty or fear, we can find solace in knowing that He is right there with us, ready to lead us through the storm. His presence is a constant reminder that we are never abandoned, and His guidance is always available to us. [01:09:51]
"Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!" (Psalm 139:7-8 ESV)
Reflection: How can you become more aware of God's presence in your daily life, and what practices can help you seek His guidance more intentionally?
Day 4: Secure in Christ's Eternal Connection The leash represents our eternal connection to God through Jesus Christ. Once we are connected, we are secure in His hold, and nothing can separate us from His love. This assurance allows us to face life's waves with confidence, knowing that we are anchored in His grace. Just as a leash keeps a surfer tethered to their board, our relationship with Christ keeps us grounded in His love and purpose. This connection is unbreakable, offering us a sense of security and belonging that transcends any earthly circumstance. [01:14:20]
"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39 ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you deepen your connection with Christ today, and how can this connection provide you with strength and assurance in your current circumstances?
Day 5: Navigating Life with the Holy Spirit's Guidance The fins on a surfboard give direction and power, much like the Holy Spirit in our lives. By walking in the Spirit, we receive the guidance and strength needed to navigate life's challenges, ensuring we are not at the mercy of the waves. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live with purpose and confidence, directing our paths and providing the wisdom we need to make decisions. Just as fins help a surfer steer and maintain balance, the Spirit helps us stay on course, aligning our lives with God's will and enabling us to fulfill His calling. [01:37:06]
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you." (John 14:26 ESV)
Reflection: How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide your decisions and actions today, and what specific area of your life needs His direction and power?
Quotes
"When we, as a believer, have a ding in our life, who do we need to go to? Not Chuck. Who do we go to? God. And we get dinged. We get ding repair. Any of y'all need some ding repair? Yeah. Anybody ever call you a ding bat? No, I'm just like, we get ding repair. We get dings in our life. And instead, we're like, I'm okay. I'm okay. Andrew, your counselor, they come to you and they're like, I'm okay. And you're like, no, dude, you need ding repair." [01:11:22](28 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Without the word of God in your life, without you applying the word of God, you're going to slip. God in your life, you're going to be riding on a powerful God, but you're not going to enjoy the ride because you're going to be slipping and falling everywhere. So here it is. Nice little sticky bumps, man. You know, you just put it on. And Marley, how often you put this on? Do you just put it on once when you get the board and then it's good for good? How often do you put this wax on?" [01:20:10](26 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"The Holy Spirit, when Jesus came to this planet, Jesus surrendered saying, I get to call the shots when I want to do godly things. But he surrendered to God the Father. That's Philippians chapter 2. And God the Father says, okay, well, I'll communicate to you. I'll empower you. I'll show you. Jesus was still 100% God down on this planet. But he said, I'll communicate. I'll tell you when. You know. We're going to do it. And I'll give you all the power to be able to do everything. And you know what the conduit was between God the Father and Jesus Christ? While Jesus was on this earth and God the Father, you know what the conduit was? It was the third person of the Trinity. It was the Holy Spirit of God." [01:33:37](34 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"God is empowering you to do whatever he's asking you to do. Whatever that is. That's the purpose of the Holy Spirit. We want to talk about gifts. Gifts are this gifts or God gives us jobs that are impossible for us to do, but they're him possible. That's a bad preacher. Joe. They're impossible for us to do so that when we do them, we have to do them with his power and everybody says, wow, how did that happen? And you're like, it was God almighty. He gets the glory and we get to be a part of something pretty cool. And we become more like him." [01:53:06](33 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"You'll receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses telling people about me everywhere in Jerusalem, throughout the Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Go to the last part, and we're done. All right? So God, like a surfboard. The foam represents the fact that God what? Knows everything. The stringer represents the fact that God what? Can do anything. The glass represents the fact that God is everywhere." [01:56:55](30 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Taking a moment to reflect on the message today, I am reminded of the powerful analogy of God as a surfboard, providing us with the ability to navigate the waves of life. Just as a surfboard allows a surfer to ride waves that would otherwise be overwhelming, God equips us to thrive amidst life's challenges. In 1999, I experienced some of the most incredible waves, and it was a reminder of how, with the right equipment, we can enjoy the ride rather than be pummeled by it. Similarly, in life, when we rely on God, we can navigate the storms with grace and strength.
The surfboard analogy extends to the components of the board itself. The foam, with its countless holes, represents God's omniscience—His infinite knowledge of everything, including every detail of our lives. The stringer, providing strength to the board, symbolizes God's omnipotence, His ability to do anything. The glass, covering the board, signifies God's omnipresence, His presence everywhere in our lives. These elements remind us that God knows everything, can do anything, and is everywhere, providing us with the foundation to ride life's waves.
Moreover, the leash represents our connection to God through Jesus Christ. Once we are connected to Him, we are eternally secure, held by His strength, not our own. The wax, symbolizing God's Word, is essential for keeping us from slipping. Just as a surfboard needs wax to maintain grip, we need the Word of God to guide us and keep us steady. Lastly, the fins represent the Holy Spirit, giving us direction and power to navigate life's challenges with confidence and purpose.
In essence, God provides us with everything we need to not only survive but thrive in life. By staying connected to Him, immersing ourselves in His Word, and relying on the Holy Spirit, we can experience the adventure He has designed for us, riding the waves with joy and assurance.
**Key Takeaways:**
- **God's Omniscience:** Just as the countless holes in the foam of a surfboard remind us of God's infinite knowledge, we are assured that He knows every detail of our lives. This understanding should bring us comfort, knowing that nothing surprises Him and He is always aware of our circumstances. [50:34]
- **God's Omnipotence:** The stringer in a surfboard provides strength, symbolizing God's ability to do anything. Recognizing His power should encourage us to trust Him with our challenges, knowing that He is capable of handling anything we face. [01:06:26]
- **God's Omnipresence:** The glass covering a surfboard signifies God's presence everywhere. We are reminded that He is always with us, providing protection and guidance, and that we are never alone in our journey. [01:09:51]
- **Connection through Christ:** The leash represents our eternal connection to God through Jesus Christ. Once we are connected, we are secure in His hold, and nothing can separate us from His love. This assurance allows us to face life's waves with confidence. [01:14:20]
- **Guidance of the Holy Spirit:** The fins on a surfboard give direction and power, much like the Holy Spirit in our lives. By walking in the Spirit, we receive the guidance and strength needed to navigate life's challenges, ensuring we are not at the mercy of the waves. [01:37:06]
**Youtube Chapters:**
- [00:00] - Welcome - [35:31] - Surfing Memories and Life's Waves - [47:05] - God's Omniscience: The Foam - [50:34] - God's Omnipotence: The Stringer - [53:02] - God's Omnipresence: The Glass - [01:06:26] - Creation's Testimony - [01:08:46] - Weather and God's Power - [01:09:51] - God's Presence and Our Dings - [01:11:22] - Forgiveness and Ding Repair - [01:12:00] - Riding with God - [01:13:04] - The Leash: Connection through Christ - [01:14:20] - Eternal Security in Christ - [01:16:31] - Jesus as the Mediator - [01:20:10] - The Wax: God's Word - [01:23:00] - The Importance of Scripture - [01:33:37] - The Fins: Guidance of the Holy Spirit - [01:37:06] - Power and Direction from the Spirit - [01:53:06] - The Holy Spirit's Role - [01:55:30] - Witnessing through God's Power - [01:56:55] - Conclusion and Prayer
1. In Psalm 139:1-6, what does the passage reveal about God's knowledge of us? How does this relate to the analogy of the foam on the surfboard? [47:05]
2. According to 2 Timothy 3:16-17, what are the purposes of Scripture in our lives? How does this connect to the analogy of wax on a surfboard? [01:23:00]
3. In Galatians 5:16-25, what are the contrasting desires of the flesh and the Spirit? How does this relate to the analogy of the fins on a surfboard? [01:33:37]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of Jesus as the leash connecting us to God? What assurance does this provide? [01:14:20]
---
**Interpretation Questions:**
1. How does understanding God's omniscience, as described in Psalm 139, impact a believer's trust in God's plan for their life? [50:34]
2. In what ways does 2 Timothy 3:16-17 suggest that Scripture can prevent us from "slipping" in our spiritual journey? How might this be practically applied? [01:23:00]
3. How does the presence of the Holy Spirit, as described in Galatians 5, empower believers to navigate life's challenges? What does it mean to "walk by the Spirit"? [01:37:06]
4. Reflecting on the sermon, how does the analogy of the surfboard help illustrate the importance of being connected to God through Jesus? [01:16:31]
---
**Application Questions:**
1. Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How did you rely on God's omniscience, omnipotence, or omnipresence to navigate it? If not, how might you do so in the future? [50:34]
2. Consider your current engagement with Scripture. What specific steps can you take to ensure that God's Word is a regular part of your life, like wax on a surfboard? [01:23:00]
3. Identify an area in your life where you feel powerless. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide and empower you in this area? [01:37:06]
4. Think of a time when you felt disconnected from God. How did you reconnect, or how might you reconnect, using the analogy of the leash in the sermon? [01:14:20]
5. Choose one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23 to focus on this week. What specific action can you take to cultivate it in your daily interactions? [01:49:18]
6. Reflect on a situation where you might be "riding a green blow-up mat" instead of relying on God. What changes can you make to ensure you are riding the "surfboard" of faith? [01:12:00]
7. How can you use the analogy of the surfboard to explain your faith to someone who may not understand the importance of being connected to God? [01:56:55]
Day 1: God's Infinite Knowledge in Our Lives God's omniscience is like the countless holes in the foam of a surfboard, representing His infinite knowledge of every detail of our lives. This understanding should bring us comfort, knowing that nothing surprises Him and He is always aware of our circumstances. Just as a surfer trusts the foam to keep them afloat, we can trust that God knows our past, present, and future. His knowledge is not just vast but deeply personal, encompassing every aspect of our lives. This assurance allows us to rest in His wisdom, knowing that He sees the bigger picture and guides us accordingly. [50:34]
"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him." (2 Chronicles 16:9 ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust God's knowledge more fully, and how can you remind yourself of His omniscience today?
Day 2: Trusting in God's Unlimited Power The stringer in a surfboard provides strength, symbolizing God's omnipotence—His ability to do anything. Recognizing His power should encourage us to trust Him with our challenges, knowing that He is capable of handling anything we face. Just as the stringer holds the board together, God's power sustains us through life's trials. We are reminded that no wave is too big for Him, and no situation is beyond His control. By acknowledging His strength, we can find peace and courage to face whatever comes our way, trusting that He is more than able to carry us through. [01:06:26]
"Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you." (Jeremiah 32:17 ESV)
Reflection: What is one challenge you are currently facing that you need to surrender to God's power, and what steps can you take to actively trust Him with it today?
Day 3: Embracing God's Ever-Present Guidance The glass covering a surfboard signifies God's omnipresence, His presence everywhere in our lives. We are reminded that He is always with us, providing protection and guidance, and that we are never alone in our journey. Just as the glass shields the board from damage, God's presence surrounds us, offering comfort and direction. In moments of uncertainty or fear, we can find solace in knowing that He is right there with us, ready to lead us through the storm. His presence is a constant reminder that we are never abandoned, and His guidance is always available to us. [01:09:51]
"Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!" (Psalm 139:7-8 ESV)
Reflection: How can you become more aware of God's presence in your daily life, and what practices can help you seek His guidance more intentionally?
Day 4: Secure in Christ's Eternal Connection The leash represents our eternal connection to God through Jesus Christ. Once we are connected, we are secure in His hold, and nothing can separate us from His love. This assurance allows us to face life's waves with confidence, knowing that we are anchored in His grace. Just as a leash keeps a surfer tethered to their board, our relationship with Christ keeps us grounded in His love and purpose. This connection is unbreakable, offering us a sense of security and belonging that transcends any earthly circumstance. [01:14:20]
"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39 ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you deepen your connection with Christ today, and how can this connection provide you with strength and assurance in your current circumstances?
Day 5: Navigating Life with the Holy Spirit's Guidance The fins on a surfboard give direction and power, much like the Holy Spirit in our lives. By walking in the Spirit, we receive the guidance and strength needed to navigate life's challenges, ensuring we are not at the mercy of the waves. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live with purpose and confidence, directing our paths and providing the wisdom we need to make decisions. Just as fins help a surfer steer and maintain balance, the Spirit helps us stay on course, aligning our lives with God's will and enabling us to fulfill His calling. [01:37:06]
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you." (John 14:26 ESV)
Reflection: How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide your decisions and actions today, and what specific area of your life needs His direction and power?
Only admins of of Driftwood Church at the Beach can edit their clips
"When we, as a believer, have a ding in our life, who do we need to go to? Not Chuck. Who do we go to? God. And we get dinged. We get ding repair. Any of y'all need some ding repair? Yeah. Anybody ever call you a ding bat? No, I'm just like, we get ding repair. We get dings in our life. And instead, we're like, I'm okay. I'm okay. Andrew, your counselor, they come to you and they're like, I'm okay. And you're like, no, dude, you need ding repair." [01:11:22](28 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Without the word of God in your life, without you applying the word of God, you're going to slip. God in your life, you're going to be riding on a powerful God, but you're not going to enjoy the ride because you're going to be slipping and falling everywhere. So here it is. Nice little sticky bumps, man. You know, you just put it on. And Marley, how often you put this on? Do you just put it on once when you get the board and then it's good for good? How often do you put this wax on?" [01:20:10](26 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"The Holy Spirit, when Jesus came to this planet, Jesus surrendered saying, I get to call the shots when I want to do godly things. But he surrendered to God the Father. That's Philippians chapter 2. And God the Father says, okay, well, I'll communicate to you. I'll empower you. I'll show you. Jesus was still 100% God down on this planet. But he said, I'll communicate. I'll tell you when. You know. We're going to do it. And I'll give you all the power to be able to do everything. And you know what the conduit was between God the Father and Jesus Christ? While Jesus was on this earth and God the Father, you know what the conduit was? It was the third person of the Trinity. It was the Holy Spirit of God." [01:33:37](34 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"God is empowering you to do whatever he's asking you to do. Whatever that is. That's the purpose of the Holy Spirit. We want to talk about gifts. Gifts are this gifts or God gives us jobs that are impossible for us to do, but they're him possible. That's a bad preacher. Joe. They're impossible for us to do so that when we do them, we have to do them with his power and everybody says, wow, how did that happen? And you're like, it was God almighty. He gets the glory and we get to be a part of something pretty cool. And we become more like him." [01:53:06](33 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"You'll receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses telling people about me everywhere in Jerusalem, throughout the Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Go to the last part, and we're done. All right? So God, like a surfboard. The foam represents the fact that God what? Knows everything. The stringer represents the fact that God what? Can do anything. The glass represents the fact that God is everywhere." [01:56:55](30 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Riding Life's Waves: Trusting God as Our Surfboard
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